Pressurized flat conformal tank

Abstract

A vessel for containing a fluid under pressure comprises essentially flat parallel surfaces connected by hemispherical edge closures. Internal tension members are connected between the parallel surfaces to distribute the pressure of the fluid in the vessel. The shape of the vessel can be generally square, triangular, toroidal, or other variation to conform to an available space. The skin of the vessel, the hemispheric edge closures, and the internal tension members are typically fabricated from a high strength lightweight material, such as titanium.

1 . A vessel for containing a fluid under pressure, comprising: 
 a first member configured as a flat planar structure;    a second member configured similarly to the first member and oriented essentially parallel to the first member, the second member being separated from the first member to form an internal space between the first and second members;    at least one tension member disposed within the internal space between the first and second members, the at least one tension member having a first end connected to the first member and having a second end connected to the second member; and    a hemispherical edge closure configured to connect the edges of the first member to corresponding edges of the second member, thereby creating an enclosed vessel for containing the fluid under pressure, wherein the planar shape of the first and second members is conformed to fit within an available space.    
   
   
       2 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is a liquid.  
   
   
       3 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is a gas.  
   
   
       4 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the first and second members are sized to withstand the pressure of the fluid in the vessel.  
   
   
       5 . The vessel of  claim 4  wherein the at least one tension member is configured to distribute the pressure of the fluid in the vessel.  
   
   
       6 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the planar shape of the first and second members is generally square.  
   
   
       7 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the planar shape of the first and second members is generally triangular.  
   
   
       8 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the planar shape of the first and second members is generally toroidal.  
   
   
       9 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the first and second members are fabricated from a material capable of expansion.  
   
   
       10 . The vessel of  claim 9  wherein the first and second members are fabricated from a material that is compatible with the fluid in the vessel.  
   
   
       11 . The vessel of  claim 10  wherein the first and second members, the at least one tension member, and the hemispherical edge closure are fabricated from the same material.  
   
   
       12 . The vessel of  claim 11  wherein the material is titanium.  
   
   
       13 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the vessel can be oriented in any position.  
   
   
       14 . The vessel of  claim 1  further comprising a tube for the passage of fluid.  
   
   
       15 . The vessel of  claim 1  further comprising a vent for the passage of air.  
   
   
       16 . The vessel of  claim 1  wherein the pressure of the fluid is in the approximate range of 200 to 800 pounds per square inch.